Avonmore SuperMilk Munster Youths U19 Final

CIT will host the Avonmore SuperMilk Munster Youths U19 Final between Bandon RFC and Shannon/St. Mary’s on Saturday the 24th at 1.30 p.m. with both sides hoping to add their name to the Kiely Cup for the first time.

Shannon/St. Mary’s, a combination side of these parish clubs, had big wins in their section defeating Nenagh Ormond 22-0, Young Munster 48-5 and Kanturk 48-3. Things were not as easy in the knock out stages as they beat holders Waterpark 15-10 and then travelled to Woodleigh Park to defeat Highfield 19-10.

The two teams amalgamated at this age group last year, given the difficulties that both sides had in fielding a team to compete at this level. Head Coach, Brendan McNamara said “The players are extremely proud of their respective clubs and proudly wear the socks, irrespective of which jersey is used. They are also keenly aware of representing ‘the Parish’ and the proud history of both clubs”.

Reflecting on their road to the final McNamara admitted “I suppose as coach, I would recognise that we were a little lucky in our quarter and semi finals against two fine sides in Waterpark and Highfield respectively. We scraped home on both occasions but the lads are very dedicated and work hard, especially at an age that has so many other distractions and demands”.

Speaking about Saturday’s opposition McNamara said “I was very impressed with Bandon’s display against a good Garryowen team when they kept Garryowen scoreless. They appear to be a very balanced, well drilled side who can cause problems throughout the team. We are fully aware that to have a chance, we need to be at the top of our game. I am sure that win, lose or draw the Parish lads won’t lack effort or commitment”.

Bandon, who have been very impressive through the years under the guidance of Coach Dan Murphy topped their section to qualify for the quarter finals with victories over St. Senan’s 22-17 and holders Waterpark 10-7. They defeated Kanturk 35-3 in the quarter final and Garryowen 14-0 in the semi final to book a meeting with Shannon/St. Mary’s this Saturday.

Commenting on their challenge, Murphy said “to reach any final is a great achievement, especially one that comes at the end of a very extensive league campaign. The lads deserve this as most of them have been playing together since U10. Myself and fellow coaches are delighted to be associated with such a great bunch of lads and hopefully they will reap the rewards of all the hard work put in over the last few months. To be the best you have to beat the best and that is the challenge of this game. Shannon would be seen as one of the standard bearers in U19 rugby over the past number of years and we are looking forward to the match”.

Admission Fee: Adult €;8, Youths/OAP’s €;4